[Clinical pattern and epidemiological analysis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Lodz Region in 1980-1986].

112 case of ALS in the Province of Lódź diagnosed between 1980-1986 are analysed. The male: female ratio was 1.5:1. The median age at onset was 54.8. The peak incidence of ALS was in the age group 51-60. The average annual incidence of ALS was 1.8/100,000. The prevalence in December 31, 1986 was 4.5 per 100,000. The median survival time after the onset of the disease was 30.12 months. The results show no history of exposure to heavy metals and occupation. More case of ALS than expected were found in urban areas. The ALS patients significantly more often gave histories of trauma of the limbs and contact with dogs.